DO NOT LET PRIDE BE OUR DOWNFALL

PROCLAMATION

“But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction …”  2 Chronicles 26:16 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

The words of First and Second Chronicles were written as one book under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Ezra the scribe and priest and historical Bible scholar according to Jewish tradition.  After Amaziah king of Judah was killed, the people made his sixteen year old son Uzziah king of Judah.  He did that which was right in the sight of The Lord.  He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear and admonition of God.  And, as long as he sought The Lord, he was successful. (2 Chronicles 26:1-5)  Uzziah went to war against the Philistines and he broke down the wall around the cities of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod.  He rebuilt towns among the Philistines.  The Lord God helped Uzziah against the Philistines, and against the Arabs, and against the Meunites.  The Ammonites brought gifts to Uzziah.  His towers name and fame spread to the border of Egypt.  He became very powerful. (2 Chronicles 26:6-8)  He built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and fortified them.  He also built towers in the wilderness and dug many cisterns for the livestock.  He had people working in the fields and vineyards.  Uzziah had a large and well-trained army. (2 Chronicles 26:9-14)  In Jerusalem he made devices for use on the towers and the corner defenses.  However, after he became powerful, his pride lead to his downfall.  He became unfaithful to The Lord.  He entered the temple and burned incense instead of allowing the priests to do it.  When the priests confronted him, he became angry with them.  While he was raging at the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead.  Uzziah had leprosy from that day until the day he died. (2 Chronicles 26:15-23)

 

APPLICATION

We ought not to think too highly of ourselves. (Romans 12:3)  Self-pride can lead to our downfall. (2 Chronicles 26:16)  If we get too full of ourselves, The Lord can knock us down, like He did Paul, to get our attention and get our focus on Him. (2 Corinthians 12:7)  When we are blessed, we ought to praise The Lord and give Him thanks. (1 Chronicles 16:34)  Promotion and all good things come from The Lord. (Psalm 75:6 and James 1:17)  We are not lucky; we are blessed.